Skip the Mall: Why Memories Make the Best Holiday Gifts
- Brittany Hathaway
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
I couldn't tell you how, but it is true...we are officially in the thick of the holiday shopping season. If you are anything like me, your inbox is full of "Cyber Week" extended deals, the malls are packed (hence the reason I haven't tried to go yet), and the delivery trucks are making their rounds all day, every day.
It is easy to get caught up in the pressure to find the perfect physical object to wrap up with a bow. I know last year my mom and I spent WEEKS making sure that we had the perfect presents for everyone. We had my sister, her husband, and my best friend, who lives in China, over for the holidays, and we wanted to make sure that everyone had plenty of presents. We kept shopping and shopping and eventually had FAR too many presents around our tree. We kept searching for the "perfect" item for each person, and ended up with way more items than we expected. Christmas was a fun day spent opening all of the presents and cutting down all of the boxes.
But let me ask you a real question: Can you remember what you got for Christmas (or Hanukkah) three years ago? Or even last year? I honestly think that many of us can't. The sweaters get donated, the technology becomes outdated, and the toys for the kids eventually end up on the floor or at the bottom of a toy box.
Now, ask yourself: Do you remember that family trip you took three years ago? Do you remember the time things went wrong and that thing that happened that made you laugh for so long you thought you would never stop? Or the meal you had while you watched the sunset? Absolutely. I remember next to nothing generally, but I always remember the travel stories and experiences that I have had with my family and friends that still live in my head rent-free.
Why Are Trips Good Holiday Gifts?
I truly, truly believe that travel is the perfect holiday gift. Why, you may ask? Let me tell you the reasons:
No More Clutter: I am not sure about you or your family, but I know that I constantly have enough stuff. I always tell myself I don't need more, but I see the cute thing in the checkout line and realize that I have no self-control. I get more things and quickly find that they start taking up all of the space in my house. I am always running out of organizational space. BUT, a vacation doesn't take up space in your house or collect dust on your bookshelf. It creates memories that live in your mind, which is way easier to clean up when it is time for your next spring clean.
The Joy Lasts Longer: Science says that this is true! Studies show that the anticipation of a trip brings just as much happiness as the trip itself. When you give the gift of travel, you are giving months of excitement as you look forward to the getaway, the fun of the actual trip, and years of memories looking back on it. That is a time for just one gift. I mean, what a great investment.
It Fits Everyone: I feel like everyone knows someone who makes finding the perfect gift for them impossible. But everyone needs a break. Whether it is a romantic weekend cruise for your spouse, a Disney surprise for the kids, or an All-Inclusive resort for the whole family to reconnect, travel can always fit every size and style.
Story Time: My Favorite Gift
Now, full disclosure, this memory was from my birthday, not from Christmas, but it is still the same idea. When I was 12 years old I was living in New Jersey with my family. My parents gave my siblings and I a birthday choice when we were kids. We could pick a birthday party, cash, or an experience. Most years I chose to do a half-price Broadway show from the TKTS booth, but my 12th birthday was special. My parents came to pick me up from school and they started driving. I had no idea where we were going, but I knew we were going somewhere. We drove for a few hours and ended up in Newport, Rhode Island. We got out of the car, and my parents opened the trunk, which was full of our luggage. I was so excited. We spent the weekend touring mansions and my parents tricked me into eating calamari for the first time. It was a perfect chance to make memories and explore a new place. Even though I can't remember what I ate for dinner last night, I can still remember this trip more than 20 years later. It truly was the best gift ever.
But...how?
"Brittany, this sounds great and all, but how do I wrap a vacation?" This is the best part! You don't need to have the dates perfectly locked in to give the gift.
The "Save the Date" Surprise: We can book the trip, and I can help you create a fun "Reveal" certificate to put in a box.
The Planning Party: Wrap up a travel guide or a pair of sunglasses with a note that says: "We are going somewhere warm! Let's pick the dates together."
AND SO MUCH MORE! There are awesome, creative ways to wrap a travel gift. Pinterest and I have spent a lot of time finding them. So you can always ask away if you want some inspo.
If you want to win the holidays this year, skip the lines and save yourself from wrapping paper cuts and give an experience! I am sure it will be well received.
Let's Plan Your Surprise
Unsure of a destination? Wondering if this is really a good idea for you? Interested in learning if your dream destination will fit into your budget?
This month, the blog will focus on answering these questions. We will highlight some fun and trendy travel destinations, provide some insight into the best travel destinations for different budget ranges, and even give you a travel items wish list so you can get some stocking stuffer ideas.
So come back and check the blog every Wednesday to get your December travel inspiration! Ready to learn more or interested in booking your gift trip? Reply to this email or click the link below to schedule a free chat. I can help you find the perfect destination for your budget—and I promise, it will be better than a scented candle (even my favorite sandalwood scented one)
And of course,
is our weekly question:
If you could unwrap a plane ticket to anywhere in the world this holiday season, what destination would be printed on it?
Let us know in the comments! Thanks for reading, and we will see you again next Wednesday!
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